‘Long road ahead’: Jimmy Barnes’ daughter, Mahalia, gives update

The family of Australian rocker Jimmy Barnes says he faces a “long road ahead” as he emerges from emergency heart surgery.

‘Long road ahead’: Barnes’ daughter gives update

Jimmy Barnes’s wife and daughter have shared an update after the Aussie singer experienced a series of health complications that ended in “surprise” open-heart surgery this week.

Barnes, 67, cancelled his remaining gigs for the year after revealing he was battling bacterial pneumonia.

The infection spread to the singer’s heart, forcing him to undergo emergency open-heart surgery.

Aussie singer Jimmy Barnes, 67, faced health complications, including bacterial pneumonia, leading to the cancellation of his remaining gigs for the year. Picture: Instagram

“Unfortunately, I got some bad news late yesterday,” Barnes said in the shock announcement on December 1.

“Despite everyone’s best efforts, the bacterial infection I’ve been battling over the past fortnight has apparently now spread to my heart.

“It’s infected an otherwise healthy valve that was replaced some years ago due to a congenital defect, so I’ll be getting open heart surgery over the next few hours to clear out this infection and put in a clean valve.”

The bacterial infection spread to Barnes’s heart, prompting emergency open-heart surgery to replace an infected valve that had been previously replaced due to a congenital defect. Picture: Instagram

“I’m really sorry for all the inconvenience this will cause but please be patient while my team works hard to figure things out. A new plan will be announced as soon as possible,” he added.

Barnes’ eldest daughter, Mahalia Barnes, revealed her father has “a long road ahead” as Sunrise’s Sam Mac interviewed her on Friday morning.

The 42-year-old singer-songwriter, who is set to perform in the 2023 Carols in the Domain, said Australia’s support for her father had blown the family away.

She said he was “doing really well” after emerging from the surgery on Thursday.

“The outpouring of love and support was incredible,” Mahalia said.

Barnes’s daughter, Mahalia Barnes, shared on Friday that her father had successfully undergone surgery and was “doing really well,” appreciating the overwhelming support from Australia. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“I know that my mum and all of us really appreciated and still appreciate it because it is going to be a long road ahead.

“We’re very grateful for how much everybody loves him and how much people are showing their love for him.”

Barnes’s wife of 42 years, Jane, shared an update to the rock star’s fans late Thursday, soon after his surgery.

“Jane here to update you about our Jimmy,” she wrote to the star’s account.

“Good progress today in ICU. Some massive tubes have come out and first physio visit.

“Clearing lungs and deep breathing, we know he’s good at that!

“Our family thanks each and everyone [sic] for your well wishes. Every single one counts so please keep them coming.”

The fresh update comes after, on Wednesday, Jane announced Barnes had made it through surgery.

Barnes’s wife, Jane, provided updates on his progress after surgery, mentioning good progress in the ICU, removal of tubes, and initial physiotherapy. Picture: Instagram

“I’m happy to let you know that our Jimmy has made it through his surgery and is now recovering in the ICU,” she wrote.

“We are so grateful for the incredible medical team looking after him. Thank you for all the love and support. I will keep you all posted.”

Barnes’ son David Campbell responded by writing: “This is the best news. Love you guys.”

Barnes’ latest health scare comes after he was forced to undertake months of bed rest earlier this year following emergency hip surgery.

Barnes’s wife, Jane, provided updates on his progress after surgery, mentioning good progress in the ICU, removal of tubes, and initial physiotherapy. Picture: Toby Zerna

He had an operation in late 2022 after years of pain caused by half a century of “jumping off PAs and stomping around stages”.

Speaking at the time he said: “I’ve had niggling back and hip issues for years, but things suddenly got a lot worse over the last few weeks, and I’m now in constant and severe pain.

“As everybody knows, it’s against my religion to blow out gigs, but the doctors tell me I need an operation as soon as possible, and it will really limit my movement for a few months.

“As much as it kills me to inconvenience everyone, I have to get this fixed so I can jump around onstage for another 50 years.”

– With Chloe Whelan